VM Sudheeran takes exception to high court observation

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President V M Sudheeran Tuesday took strong exception to High Court criticism against him for issuing a circular asking all Congress led UDF-ruled local body heads in the state not to permit liquor trade in hotels in their regions.

The High Court's observation on the issue was "beyond the limit of judiciary", Sudheeran told reporters here.

Justifying the circular, Sudheeran said KPCC issued such a circular keeping in view the people's welfare and public interest."I will not hesitate to issue similar circulars as a president of a responsible organisation', Sudheeran added.

The High Court had made the observation without giving a chance to hear KPCC views on the issue and so the remarks were against natural justice, he claimed.

In a democracy political parties has a greater role in formulating policies, Sudheeran said, adding all political parties has the freedom to give guidelines to its peoples' representatives.

Legal steps on the High Court observation would be taken after consulting with legal experts, he said.

Yesterday while considering a case of alleged denial of bar license to a hotel group by a Congress-ruled municipal council, a division bench comprising Justices Antony Dominic and Alexander Thomas accused the KPCC President of acting as an "extra constitutional authority".